Now that the Saints have lost... (1 Viewer)

[Statorama]

It's pretty obvious that the Saints need a true cover corner and a playmaker at LB. Even though they lost today, they'll still be picking at the lower end of the draft. Are there any UFA's that will be available this offseason to address those needs, or do they have to wait until the cuts?

 

[buddyboy]

The game I'm watching must be on tape delay since it's only the half. Please save me some time and tell me what the final socre was.

 

[Couch Potato]

Gee, I didn't realize I was watching it on tape delay. It's just the start of the 2nd half here. What was the final score Stratorama???

 

[PatsWillWin]

pretty pathetic attempt a reverse jinx.

 

[Bojang0301]

'Aints fans are too used to losing.

 

[jurb26]

 

[JZilla]

Bush = speed

 

[PatsWillWin]

i take it back. the reverse jinx is working.

 

[buster c]

if you're a saints fan, you sux

 

[Jack Burton]

some one needs to tell Urlacher he can stop chasing him now

 

[Statorama]

Reggie's TD caused Saints fans to order another round.

 

[Statorama]

But seriously, I doubt a player the Saints need will be available down at 28. Is a guy like Ty Law or Sam Madison available in this years free agent class?

 

[JZilla]

OK, now I agree with Statorama.

You could probably use a CB.

 

[Statorama]

OK, now I agree with Statorama.You could probably use a CB.

No matter what the score is, Fred Thomas = comeback for other team

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

Hey Statorama, your reverse psychology nonsense didn't work for your beloved Saints.

Great season though...

Chins up Saints fans.... you can wipe away your sorrows on Bourbon Street!

 

[Statorama]

Hey Statorama, your reverse psychology nonsense didn't work for your beloved Saints.Great season though...Chins up Saints fans.... you can wipe away your sorrows on Bourbon Street!

Dude, I've watched enough football to know when a game is over.

 

[Statorama]

The game I'm watching must be on tape delay since it's only the half. Please save me some time and tell me what the final socre was.

I was happy not to spoil it for you.

 

[jchap31]

I think Mickey Loomis should have Nate Clements CB Bills on speed dial and take a LB in the 1st. Problem solved.

 

[guderian]

1. Dump Fred Thomas. In fact, lie to him about the time for the flight back to NO.

2. Re-sign Stinchcomb. If he wants too much money, I'd be OK with Streif, but I think it would be a big mistake to break up this O-line.

3. Sign a CB and LB in free agency.

4. Re-sign Jamal Brown and Will Smith to long-term contracts. Sign Horn back to a reduced contract.

5. Bring in a veteran back-up QB. If Brees goes down this is a 4-12 team under Jamie Martin.

6. We get Ron Harper and Ninkovich back next year. In all honesty I think that some of Fred Thomas' problems and our problems with long runs is because of our safety play. Harper will be a big upgrade.

7. This should position us to take BPA in the draft (which has been Loomis' strategy the past few years). Since we will likely lose Charles Grant our needs would include DE. Not sure about the depth at DE in the draft this year, but the Saints have had an excellent track record in drafting DE's (Howard, Grant, Will Smith).

 

[MDSkinner]

This day may have sucked for the Saints, but the fact is that at least offensively they are set up to succeed for a very long time. A few changes defensively, and they are right back in this same spot next year and maybe for the next few years. Brees, Colston, Bush, Deuce and Henderson will certainly be tough for years to come.

 

[Statorama]

1. Dump Fred Thomas. In fact, lie to him about the time for the flight back to NO.2. Re-sign Stinchcomb. If he wants too much money, I'd be OK with Streif, but I think it would be a big mistake to break up this O-line. 3. Sign a CB and LB in free agency.4. Re-sign Jamal Brown and Will Smith to long-term contracts. Sign Horn back to a reduced contract. 5. Bring in a veteran back-up QB. If Brees goes down this is a 4-12 team under Jamie Martin.6. We get Ron Harper and Ninkovich back next year. In all honesty I think that some of Fred Thomas' problems and our problems with long runs is because of our safety play. Harper will be a big upgrade. 7. This should position us to take BPA in the draft (which has been Loomis' strategy the past few years). Since we will likely lose Charles Grant our needs would include DE. Not sure about the depth at DE in the draft this year, but the Saints have had an excellent track record in drafting DE's (Howard, Grant, Will Smith).

Excellent Post.

 

[scotty34]

Payton was overheard congratulating Briggs after the game "Great season Lance, good luck in Miami and we'll be flying you down once free agency starts.".....at the same time Loomis was on the phone to Clements "Yeah Fred Thomas is a great team player but if that was you out there Grossman would have looked really gross, man".

One can only dream but it is very obvious that the defensive side of the ball needs to be addressed , specifically CB and LB. The Saints have been getting by with great pressure off the edges but Grossman wasn't sacked today and look what he did to Fred Thomas' side of the field.

If the Saints have a similier offseason in '07 as they did in '06 then ...

 

[wannabee]

I think Gibbs gets WAY too little credit for what he has done this year with so little talent on the defensive side of the ball.

 

[guderian]

Payton was overheard congratulating Briggs after the game "Great season Lance, good luck in Miami and we'll be flying you down once free agency starts.".....at the same time Loomis was on the phone to Clements "Yeah Fred Thomas is a great team player but if that was you out there Grossman would have looked really gross, man".One can only dream but it is very obvious that the defensive side of the ball needs to be addressed , specifically CB and LB. The Saints have been getting by with great pressure off the edges but Grossman wasn't sacked today and look what he did to Fred Thomas' side of the field.If the Saints have a similier offseason in '07 as they did in '06 then ...

We just had too many holes to plug this year. Last year we were #31 in points and #28 in points allowed. This year we went to #5 in points scored and #13 in points allowed. Stinchcomb is the only offensive starter that I think is a free agent and I really hope we keep that line together--so our offense looks great. We need to re-sign Horn to a cheaper contract, and I hope we keep him around to mentor the younger players and play a Keyshawn Johnson type role. We can argue that we were one good CB away from making the Superbowl. If Thomas isn't abused on that drive by Berrian/Grossman then the entire game could have been different. Getting Ron Harper back and hopefully signing a good CB will seriously improve our pass defense. Losing Grant will hurt, but if we sign an LB, then we can draft best defensive player available.

 

[Thom Yorke]

Payton was overheard congratulating Briggs after the game "Great season Lance, good luck in Miami and we'll be flying you down once free agency starts.".....at the same time Loomis was on the phone to Clements "Yeah Fred Thomas is a great team player but if that was you out there Grossman would have looked really gross, man".One can only dream but it is very obvious that the defensive side of the ball needs to be addressed , specifically CB and LB. The Saints have been getting by with great pressure off the edges but Grossman wasn't sacked today and look what he did to Fred Thomas' side of the field.If the Saints have a similier offseason in '07 as they did in '06 then ...

We just had too many holes to plug this year. Last year we were #31 in points and #28 in points allowed. This year we went to #5 in points scored and #13 in points allowed. Stinchcomb is the only offensive starter that I think is a free agent and I really hope we keep that line together--so our offense looks great. We need to re-sign Horn to a cheaper contract, and I hope we keep him around to mentor the younger players and play a Keyshawn Johnson type role. We can argue that we were one good CB away from making the Superbowl. If Thomas isn't abused on that drive by Berrian/Grossman then the entire game could have been different. Getting Ron Harper back and hopefully signing a good CB will seriously improve our pass defense. Losing Grant will hurt, but if we sign an LB, then we can draft best defensive player available.

Agreed on all points. CB and LB will be priority positions.Additionally, TE is a position where we need an upgrade. We've gotten some decent production from the current platoon of Miller, et al, but a real pass catching tight end in the mold of Heap/Winslow etc would add another great dimension to the offense.

 

[guderian]

Payton was overheard congratulating Briggs after the game "Great season Lance, good luck in Miami and we'll be flying you down once free agency starts.".....at the same time Loomis was on the phone to Clements "Yeah Fred Thomas is a great team player but if that was you out there Grossman would have looked really gross, man".One can only dream but it is very obvious that the defensive side of the ball needs to be addressed , specifically CB and LB. The Saints have been getting by with great pressure off the edges but Grossman wasn't sacked today and look what he did to Fred Thomas' side of the field.If the Saints have a similier offseason in '07 as they did in '06 then ...

We just had too many holes to plug this year. Last year we were #31 in points and #28 in points allowed. This year we went to #5 in points scored and #13 in points allowed. Stinchcomb is the only offensive starter that I think is a free agent and I really hope we keep that line together--so our offense looks great. We need to re-sign Horn to a cheaper contract, and I hope we keep him around to mentor the younger players and play a Keyshawn Johnson type role. We can argue that we were one good CB away from making the Superbowl. If Thomas isn't abused on that drive by Berrian/Grossman then the entire game could have been different. Getting Ron Harper back and hopefully signing a good CB will seriously improve our pass defense. Losing Grant will hurt, but if we sign an LB, then we can draft best defensive player available.

Agreed on all points. CB and LB will be priority positions.Additionally, TE is a position where we need an upgrade. We've gotten some decent production from the current platoon of Miller, et al, but a real pass catching tight end in the mold of Heap/Winslow etc would add another great dimension to the offense.

Great point on the TE. That is certainly an area of need and would really help out our red zone success.

 

[jchap31]

I thought we were 28 mil under the cap? If so, why would we lose Charles Grant to FA? He's no Dwight Freeney but he's solid. Stinchcomb is a cheap, effective RT, so I think as well he'll be back. Aside from CB, LB, and DT (Hollis is 32 yrs old and Brian Young is too small, I can't see where else we have holes.

I believe Joe Horn should take a HUGE paycut or get cut. He's no more than a #2 on this team, and even that's a close call with Henderson.

 

[Saints-Man]

I too am surprised about the talk of losing Grant. Right now the strength of the defense is at the DEs in Will Smith and Charles Grant. I wouldn't break that up unless someone signs him for unreasonable money.

 

[guderian]

I thought we were 28 mil under the cap? If so, why would we lose Charles Grant to FA? He's no Dwight Freeney but he's solid. Stinchcomb is a cheap, effective RT, so I think as well he'll be back. Aside from CB, LB, and DT (Hollis is 32 yrs old and Brian Young is too small, I can't see where else we have holes.I believe Joe Horn should take a HUGE paycut or get cut. He's no more than a #2 on this team, and even that's a close call with Henderson.

Everything I've heard is that Grant wants to test the market. Someone will overpay him and I don't see the Saints chasing the money.

 

[Saints-Man]

I thought we were 28 mil under the cap? If so, why would we lose Charles Grant to FA? He's no Dwight Freeney but he's solid. Stinchcomb is a cheap, effective RT, so I think as well he'll be back. Aside from CB, LB, and DT (Hollis is 32 yrs old and Brian Young is too small, I can't see where else we have holes.I believe Joe Horn should take a HUGE paycut or get cut. He's no more than a #2 on this team, and even that's a close call with Henderson.

Everything I've heard is that Grant wants to test the market. Someone will overpay him and I don't see the Saints chasing the money.

Let's hope they franchise tag or transitional tag him.

 

[scotty34]

To me Payton does not appear to be the type of guy who would want to "slap the tag" on anyone. I think his philosophy is "if you don't want to play here then pack your bags". When you watch Grant he is incredibly intense especially after a big play by him , the defense or the team. I wonder if that is his personality shining through or if that is the fact he loves the Saints???

 

[ATC1]

What's the thoughts on Danny Clark? When the guy is in the game, he seems to make great plays. I think he should get a shot next year.

I really think we need to sign a leader on the defense through FA.

 

[Doug B]

Getting Roman Harper back and hopefully signing a good CB will seriously improve our pass defense.

Harper was an even bigger loss to the Saints run defense. That guy came out of the box as a Pro-Bowl level run defender from his safety position. He was still learning the pass defense (but gaining fast) when he got hurt.

 

[saintfool]

1. LB/CB are priorities in the FA market. If we don't land a playmaker then you can bet that it will be a focus in the draft. I expect we'll make one big acquisition.

2. DT. If we don't re-sign Hollis then we're desperate for help. Even if we do sign him, we need someone that can be a starter.

3. DE. If Grant doesn't re-sign then we need to address that. Ninko is an unknown commodity.

4. QB. Capable back-up would be nice.

5. Horn coming bakc healthy. Talking about him taking less money is ridiculous. He signed a long term contract and is a leader on the team. He was injured much of the year and, while some of that is due to age, his absence on the field was evident. Teams were able to key on Colston instead of wringing their hands about which guy to cover. Joe's a playmaker.

We did amazingly well this year. However, coming up short like this really illustrated how we overachieved all season. Improving the overall talent of this team will make us a contender for years to come.

 

[guderian]

It looks like we are in pretty good cap room--especially in our division. Projected cap room for 2007:

Rank/Team/Projected cap room

1/San Francisco/$42.1M

2/Buffalo/$39.7M

3/Arizona/$36.7M

4/Tennessee/$36M

5/Cleveland/$33.3M

6/Minnesota/$32.4M

7 (tie)/Jacksonville/$32M

7/St. Louis/$32M

9/New England/$30.4M

10/Cincinnati/$30.2M

11/New Orleans/$29.9M

12/Green Bay/$29.5M

13/New York Jets/$26.1M

14/San Diego/$24.6M

15/Tampa Bay/$24.2

16/Detroit/$23.8M

17/Chicago/$23.4M

18/Seattle/$22.5M

19/Dallas/$21.5M

20/Miami/$17.8M

21/New York Giants/$15.7M

22/Oakland/$14.1M

23/Houston/$13.3

24/Atlanta/$10M

25/Philadelphia/$12.4M

26/Denver/$7.6M

27/Kansas City/$7M

28/Baltimore/$5.7M

29/Indianapolis/$4.9M

30/Carolina/$3.4M

31/Washington/$951,000

32/Pittsburgh/$150,000

 

[psychobillies]

It looks like we are in pretty good cap room--especially in our division. Projected cap room for 2007:

Rank/Team/Projected cap room

1/San Francisco/$42.1M

2/Buffalo/$39.7M

3/Arizona/$36.7M

4/Tennessee/$36M

5/Cleveland/$33.3M

6/Minnesota/$32.4M

7 (tie)/Jacksonville/$32M

7/St. Louis/$32M

9/New England/$30.4M

10/Cincinnati/$30.2M

11/New Orleans/$29.9M

12/Green Bay/$29.5M

13/New York Jets/$26.1M

14/San Diego/$24.6M

15/Tampa Bay/$24.2

16/Detroit/$23.8M

17/Chicago/$23.4M

18/Seattle/$22.5M

19/Dallas/$21.5M

20/Miami/$17.8M

21/New York Giants/$15.7M

22/Oakland/$14.1M

23/Houston/$13.3

24/Atlanta/$10M

25/Philadelphia/$12.4M

26/Denver/$7.6M

27/Kansas City/$7M

28/Baltimore/$5.7M

29/Indianapolis/$4.9M

30/Carolina/$3.4M

31/Washington/$951,000

32/Pittsburgh/$150,000

Keep in mind we have to give Brees a $12M bonus in a couple of weeks.

 

[ATC1]

What did we sign Colston for? It won't last long whatever it is.

 

[guderian]

Keep in mind we have to give Brees a $12M bonus in a couple of weeks.

That will be amortized over the life of the remaining life of the contract, which IIRC is 5 more years so it will only count $2.4 MM against next year's cap.

 

[guderian]

What did we sign Colston for? It won't last long whatever it is.

Salary History 2006 275,000.00 2007 360,000.00 2008 445,000.00 Last I read about this, Colston is prohibited from re-negotiating his rookie contract due to the CBA until his rookie contract expires.

 

[Thom Yorke]

What did we sign Colston for? It won't last long whatever it is.

He got the rookie minimum, I believe. He is eligible for a nice chunk of the league's performance bonus which is reserved for guys who significantly outperform their contracts. If I recall correctly, he can't renegotiate his deal until after next year. Obviously, if he performs at the level he did this year, he's entitled to big money.